2012 Fantasy Football Week 15: Kicker Rankings and Projections

With a rookie quarterback and an average-at-best receiving core, you knew it was going to be a tough season for former Pro Bowl kicker Dan Carpenter. However, if you’re looking for a waiver-wire option with top kickers like David Akers, Blair Walsh, Greg Zuerlein and Justin Tucker falling off in the second half of the season, give Carpenter a look this week.

The Dolphins travel back home after a competitive game in San Francisco where Carpenter nailed a 53-yard field goal. As a lifelong 49ers fan, I can tell you it’s no easy feat for a kicker to convert from over 50 yards in that stadium, especially one that has probably never kicked there before.

Carpenter has a good leg, and while his PAT conversions are down this season, we should expect the Dolphins to control the Jaguars at home. Expect start-worthy numbers from Carpenter this week, but he’s probably worth dumping for Week 16, as the Dolphins head back on the road to New England.

What Did We Learn From Week 14?

For the first time this year, the Falcons fell way behind their competition, as the Panthers played their best game of the season. This obviously hurt Matt Bryant, who for only the second time this season (first time was Week 3 in San Diego) failed to receive a field-goal attempt. Heading back home to play a game with playoff implications, expect Bryant to get back on track against the Giants.

For the third week in a row, Nick Novak converted two field goals. Coming off a big win against the Steelers, we should expect the Chargers' spirits to be rejuvenated, as they come home to face a hot Carolina team. Weather will be a factor for kickers around the NFL, but Novak will have an advantage over other options because he plays in sunny San Diego.

Sean’s Week 15 Watch List

It’s been another long season in Oakland, but this week the Chiefs come to town, and we should expect good things for Sebastian Janikowski. For once, the Raiders will play a team that won’t run away from them, so Janikowski should be good for up to three field goals in a matchup where the Raiders should control the time of possession.

Jason Hanson missed one of his field-goal attempts last week, but give him a break, as he was playing in a night game with snow coming down at Lambeau Field. This week the Lions should run away with an easy victory over a Cardinals team that had their life force taken from them in Seattle last week.

David Akers and the 49ers head out to New England to play perhaps the best team in the NFL. Weather should be expected and if Colin Kaepernick makes a few early mistakes, Akers may go the entire game without a field-goal opportunity.

Even if Akers does receive a few opportunities, we shouldn't expect anything over 40 yards in likely bad weather conditions.